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October 18, 2010

Have you ever seen a craft project gone terribly wrong? I've been responsible for a few of these disasters over the years. This weekend I saw this bad boy, a crocheted bicycle, on 3rd Street Promenade in Santa Monica. Craft fail or modern masterpiece? You decide.

October 17, 2010

In this age of text messages and emails it is pretty rare to get a hand written note from someone. That is precisely why I was so excited when I got these two notes in the very same day! How could a special little note, like one of these, not make you smile?

Because of all the note love that has come my way this past week, I think it is about time that I pay it forward with a little note giving of my own. Here was my note of the day...

I put this post-it note that says "Smile, You Are Beautiful!" on the mirror in the woman's restroom in my dorm.

October 16, 2010

So, I am pretty much a huge fan of street vendors. I try to visit at least one swap meet or flea market on every vacation. They are the perfect place to find completely unique items at affordable prices. I've also had very good luck with street vendors selling food... hot dogs in Central Park, roasted nuts in Boston, cartinas in Mexico, churros in LA's China town, Gyros on Wall Street (just to name a few). Ahh, so delicious! But that is completely beside the point.

This week, as I was walking to class, I stumbled upon two sidewalk street vendors who were selling vintage jewelry and other unique accessories. My first response was to slow down and riff through the piles of jewels and gems but unfortunately, I had to get to class. To my surprise and delight, the vendors were still there later in the week and I was able to browse the heaps of knick knacks and treasures. I came away with a two dollar pair of turquoise teardrop-shaped earrings. They are slightly tacky and will probably break after a few uses but I love them. Such a great way to end the week.

October 14, 2010

I absolutely love fall and lets be serious... the pumpkin pie that comes with it isn't half bad either! A tiny white walled dorm room doesn't give you many options for seasonal decorating but you gotta work with what ya got. Sometimes it just takes a little something, like a mini pumpkin, to get you into the spirit of the season.

October 12, 2010

These are pictures of a wonderful place in Niland California (near the Salton Sea) called Salvation Mountain. The painted mountain monument was created over the last forty years by a man named Leonard Knight. I have had the privilege of visiting the mountain twice and actually meeting Leonard on one of my trips. Fun fact: I was so inspired by Leonard and his work that I wrote a college admissions essay on him. The thing that I love the most about Leonard is that he knows how to keep the main thing, the main thing. His painted mountain is covered in scriptures about God's love and grace. He finds his joy in the Lord and keeps his focus on the important things- that God loves us, we are sinners, and it is only through Jesus that we can be forgiven.

Why is it so hard to remember these simple truths on a daily basis? It is so easy to get caught up in little details that we forget the big picture. This week I have been trying to reflect on these "basics" every morning. It is amazing how much it puts things into perspective!

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" - John 3:16

October 11, 2010

So, I am entering my fourth week of this college experience and I'd like to think that I am adjusting just fine. I've managed to complete several loads of laundry (no big deal!), find all my classes (not a problem!), navigate public transportation (easy as pie!). There is one thing, however, that I am certain that I will never get used to... and that is going to bed at 2 a.m. and waking up at noon. It is simply not in my nature. Not even physically possible. Up until around seventh grade, I went to bed at nine o'clock every single night. It wasn't until high school that I pulled the occasional "all nighter," which, to me, consisted to studying until midnight. I have simply accepted that I am a morning person and that I will never be able to live this way. I will be the dorm floor granny and go to bed at 11pm and wake up at 7am. That is completely fine with me. Just think of all the pretty sunrises that would be missed if I followed the typical college student schedule!

October 4, 2010

There is something about clothespins that make me so happy. I love them so much that I just happen to have a collection of them growing in my craft closets. Big ones, tiny ones, wood ones, colored ones. You name it, I've probably got it. Clothespins are raw and simple and can be used for so many things. They are both practical and aesthetically pleasing. As you can see, I'm a huge fan!

I made these fabric covered clothespins over the summer with Mod Podge and finally put them to use in my dorm room. They hold pictures that remind me of home, family vacations, and adventures with friends. Perfect for daydreaming while sitting at my desk, avoiding writing a paper (much like I am doing right now).

Hillary Gustin

About Me.

Hello! And thanks for stopping by Truffles and Ruffles. I started this blog the summer before starting college as a creative outlet and way to share my inspiration and designs with friends and family. I've been writing ever since! These days, I continue to write about the things that I love, which include: food, fashion, design, and life's simple pleasures. Along the way, I like to share bits and pieces of my life too! Thanks for joining me!